Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics
Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples that fit perfectly with its flavor.
Reappearing Tribal Abilities
The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.
The Comeback of the Ally Ability
While Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.
The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through a Magic expansion.
Revealed Card Showcase
Following its initial card reveal, below are a look at an Ally plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo: The Beloved Character
Teo stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.
Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.
It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.
It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.
A major drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.
The Welcome Collaboration
At a time when crossover sets have been garnering significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.